002. video

[vestigiaflammae]

[The video clicks on to show sky, and then a flash of red hair before Lea manages to adjust the angle of the screen and beams at the camera. He's sitting on a wall, in the spot where the rusty barbed wire isn't anymore, a riot of summer greenery fighting for sun and space in the broken concrete of the yard behind him and a dandelion in one hand. He waves the flower at the screen.]

-- You know, there are some really cool places out here! You know, if you walk far enough. I found some flowers if you still need any, Sollux. There's a ton of these yellow things!

[He pauses and, a little too casual to make it sound like a throwaway comment, adds:] I guess I've been lucky this week or something, I don't know -

Hey, does anybody know why it's just some of us who've got that. You know. Thing, with the going invisible?

[He worries absently at the flower, stem smearing green over his fingers, and makes a face.]

... I hope they figure that out quick.

It's kind of freaky.

[like basically everything here but. But. Everything's cool. After a moment, he tosses the dandelion off the side of the wall and grins again.] And hey, does anybody recognize this spot? 'Cause I'd really appreciate directions back home! I'll owe you one.

Thanks!

Comments

[video]

[feelingepic]

... you wandered that far out?

[video]

[vestigiaflammae]

Hey! Hey. I wasn't wandering! I was exploring.

-- There's a lot of cool stuff out here, like I said!

[and he might've lost track of time around the same time he lost track of where he was. But no big deal, right?]

[video]

[feelingepic]

Same thing.

[Jeez. Talk about hopeless...]

Couldn't have tried to remember what way you were going?

text

[theguideless]

I think I know where you are
I dont know anything about the rest you were talking about
Sorry

[eyecontact]

Be careful if you're out somewhere you don't know...Do you remember which direction you were heading?

Also, I don't think invisibility is the only thing that's going on wrong around here...

[video]

[vestigiaflammae]

Yeah, but exploring sounds cooler.

[He makes a face.] I was trying to! I guess I just lost track of a turn somewhere.

text

[vestigiaflammae]

hey thats fine! but you know where i am? seriously? can you tell me?

or is there like a map somewhere on the network or something because i should get it if there is

[theguideless]

I dont know about that sorry
I just think Ive seen where you are before maybe
I could probably find it again

[vestigiaflammae]

uh i think it was west! from the sun. it rises in the east right?

i saw the initiative talking about people being in pain

i wasn't sure if that was part of it or what though. do you know what else is happening? are you ok?

[vestigiaflammae]

seriously it's ok you don't need to say sorry!

do you think you could come out here and meet me and then maybe we could walk back together or something then? i'd owe you one.

my name's lea by the way! have we met?

[eyecontact]

Yes, you're right. But if you're not really sure, you should stay put unless you get more lost! If someone knows where you are, they can help!

I'm not turning invisible or anything, but something weird is going on...

[video]

[feelingepic]

I guess so.

[Technically he should probably be doing some exploring, too, but. He rubs the back of his head.]

These things don't have GPS, huh.

[theguideless]

[a delay. hngh, so sunny outside...]

Yes I can find you
My name is Martin Darkov and I dont know if I know you sorry
I havent been around much lately
But Ill go now

[video]

[vestigiaflammae]

GPS? What's that do?

-- I was looking for a map, but I couldn't figure it out....

[vestigiaflammae]

if ive talked to you we haven't been introduced yet! it's nice to meet you martin.

[He breaks into a grin. Yes! Someone who can get him back to familiar territory! Man, that's awesome.]

seriously?? thanks! just tell me what you want, i can like buy you dinner or something.

[vestigiaflammae]

don't worry i'm not going anywhere. this one guy martin says he knows where i am and he's gonna help out. so it's all good!

... what's happening?

[theguideless]

[SMART MARTIN IS SMART AND CLOSES HIS COMPUTER BEFORE CONFIRMING ANY OF THAT.

OR...OR WHAT HE LOOKS LIKE. he'll grimace about that all the way out there.

U READY FOR SOME ACTION TAGS?]

[eyecontact]

I've been getting taller :\
And my hair is growing really fast...

[action]

[vestigiaflammae]

[After a few minutes, Lea gives up on getting a response -- he guesses Martin must've left already, or something, so he'll just stay where he is up on the wall until he sees anybody coming.

He figures he's got a yellow scarf and bright orange hair and if the guy can't spot him with that to go by then he probably isn't even in the right place.

So, time to tap his heels on the wall and wait!]

[vestigiaflammae]

like... you're getting older super fast?

whoa... how much taller are you? that doesn't sound too bad!

[eyecontact]

I think so...But I don't know how much taller really. My clothes don't fit very well anymore though. :(

[theguideless]

[it's a bit of a wait, unfortunately! empty lots are pretty abundant, and Martin's seen a few...but he must be in the right place if there's someone just loitering around, right?

squinting, shading his eyes from the sun, he shuffles to a stop just before the weedy strip of green gives way to the concrete.

he swallows (the sun is too big and hot...), and has to repeat himself to be heard:] Hel--Hello?

[video]

[feelingepic]

[... wow. Really?]

It's something that tells you exactly where you are... [He frowns.] You'd think the future would have some kind of map or something.

[video]

[vestigiaflammae]

Oh, really? [He laughs self-consciously, drumming his feet against the side of the wall again.]

I bet there is one on here. I just can't find it, that's all! I'm not all that good with computers.

[vestigiaflammae]

[Lea waves, and tucks his computer in one oversized pocket, and turns to let himself down from the wall. It's not that tall, but eight feet is a little much to just jump off of. Nope, hang by the hands and drop it is, and he still staggers a little when he hits the ground before turning around with a brilliant grin.]

Hey! Martin, is that you?